More funding to fight invasive pest species

Landholders, drought-declared local governments, industry bodies and natural resource management groups are invited to apply for another round of funding under the highly-successful Queensland Feral Pest Initiative, which supports projects that combat pest animals and weeds.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said a final $1 million allocation was available under a new round of the initiative for projects that focused on invasive plant and animal management and complemented existing activities.

“We have already funded projects under previous rounds with millions of dollars spent constructing thousands of kilometres of cluster fences around hundreds of properties, and other control activities,” Mr Furner said.

“Since the initiative began in 2015, we’ve seen a real turnaround in sheep numbers as a result of cluster fencing keeping wild dogs at bay.”

The Minister said invasive plants and animals had an enormous impact on our agriculture industries, costing more than $600 million annually in lost production and in control costs.

“They damage our natural resources including important vegetation, reduce biodiversity and impact on our health and recreational activities,” he said.

Applications for funding in Round 4 close on Thursday 30 April 2020.

For more information, visit www.daf.qld.gov.au, email QldFeralPestInit@daf.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

ENDS

Media contact:           Ron Goodman            0427 781 920